What is Software Localization?

The Localization Industry Standards Association (LISA) defines localization as "the process of modifying products or services to account for differences in distinct markets". Software localization is thus much more than translating user interfaces from one language to another. It is about adapting all cultural content and technical issues to a specific audience in a given location.

localization means ensuring that your software "speaks" the language of your customers. In a world of globalization, localization can make the difference between success and failure in your target markets. However, as the business environment becomes increasingly competitive, the challenge of adapting software, documentation, online help, Web pages and manuals to conform to the cultural, linguistic and regulatory needs of each customer becomes formidable. Localization has effectively become the cost of doing business in the global market.

Internationalization is the process of translating software UI (user interfaces) from one language to another and altering it to suit foreign clients and their culture norms. this in not just about translating languages, but adapting from one culture to another.

Globalization makes your software ready for the global market. Localization includes the program itself and any online or printed documentation. As the competition among the many software developers increases, software companies are increasingly challenged to localize its software, documents, web pages, and manuals to each customer's different cultural and language needs. In addition, there are increasing regulatory, cultural and compliance pressures that companies need to deal with. a well executed globalization process can aid in opening new markets and retaining current clients.

Localization is not limited to translating English into other languages (as most software continues to be developed in the U.S.) but also includes every language from French, Spanish, Hebrew, Chinese, Arabic, etc.

benefits both developers and customers alike In five years, the number of non-English speaking Internet users has gone from less than 10% to nearly 64% of all users. Similarly, user trends are similar. More and more non-English speaking users are using localized software. (Nielsen/Net ratings Internet measurement service)

Users of computer software expect their software to be written in their own language. Although localization services come at a cost to software developers, it also yields concrete benefits: Users who understand a product fully are more skilled in managing it, more efficient in using it and less likely to make costly mistakes. These are all issues that affect the bottom line. The more skilled and efficient the users, the lower the burden on customer support and services.

Localization allows users to interact with applications in their own language and in a setting that is intuitive to them.

For Example:

Messages are in their own language

Input fields formatted as is customary in the specific country (names, addresses, dates, and other data)

Keyboard character standards when input is required

Error messages in the local language ensure quick resolution

Competition in the software industry is fierce with many quality products vying for the same market. Differentiation today is not about bells and whistles, but about who best meets the needs of the customer. Localizing is the key to strategic, competitive advantage.